Last year, Florida-based travel advisor and book lover Corinne Levine reached out to me with a proposition. She had recently developed a book-centered travel company, called Novel Travels, and asked if I’d be her inaugural author. Intrigued, we met in person when she came into town and immediately hit it off. I’m thrilled to report that the first-ever “Fiona Davis Books On Tour” launched on a warm weekend this past March and was a huge success, even more so than I’d ever imagined.
The attendees were from all around the country --- California to Cape Cod, Michigan to South Carolina --- and consisted of two mother/daughter duos, as well as a pair of sisters-in-law. The first night, we met for cocktails at the Algonquin Hotel, where Corinne had arranged for us to sit at the famed “round table” of Dorothy Parker fame. Not a bad start. Over the next four days, the group hit the prime locations of each of my eight novels, as well as the Tenement Museum, the Strand bookstore, and a Broadway show (The Great Gatsby, of course).
Our fearless tour guide was renowned New York historian Kevin Draper. At each venue, he provided context and background regarding the characters and plots of my books, as well as offering fascinating insights into New York City history. I met the crew to tour Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library and joined them at night for dinner (all but one held in a private room). The conversations circled around books we love, books we recommend, book clubs, favorite bookstores --- you get the drift. It was heaven.
Our last night together we were all a little weepy, as we’d truly connected with each other. There’s something about sharing your love of a book, of making yourself vulnerable about what moves you most, that’s like no other bond. I can’t wait to do it again, and I can’t wait to see what other authors and literary-related travel Corinne will be lining up. She’s also working on Fiona Davis day tours for those who are in the area or who prefer a more pared-down itinerary. Stay tuned!
» Click here to see photos from the tour.
